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Darkly Dreaming Dexter
A Novel
by Jeff Lindsay


8.1

based on 12 reviews
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based on 10 votes
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TV:

Dexter (Showtime)

Official Publisher Site

Meet Dexter, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing...a monster who cringes at the site of blood...a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people. [Doubleday]

Doubleday, 304 pages
07/20/2004
$22.95

ISBN: 038551123X

Fiction
Mystery & Thrillers

All reviews are classified as one of five grades: Outstanding (4 points), Favorable (3), Mixed (2), Unfavorable (1) and Terrible (0). To calculate the Metascore, we divide total points achieved by the total points possible (i.e., 4 x the number of reviews), with the resulting percentage (multiplied by 100) being the Metascore. Learn more...

Library Journal David Wright

Lindsay brings the same refreshing ebullience to serial killers that Anne Rice once brought to vampires. A macabre gem. [15 June 2004, p.59]

Publishers Weekly

A gripping, deliciously offbeat novel that announces the arrival of a notable new talent.

The Globe And Mail [Toronto] Margaret Cannon

This is a smart, witty novel with a premise that keeps the action moving and the reader entranced. Dexter is a terrific character, and the plot twists along so cleverly that we don't know exactly what he's going to do until the end.

The Guardian Maxim Jakubowski

You'd think coming up with an original variation on the serial killer novel would be tough going by now, but Lindsay applies the thumbscrew with witty relish and draws the reader in from the outset.

Booklist David Pitt

After finishing this debut novel, readers will have only one thing to say: wow! [May 15, 2004, p.1601]

Daily Telegraph Susanna Yager

A psychopath with a sense of irony and even a vestigial conscience is a novelty and so is this tasteless but witty, entertaining romp.

The New York Times Book Review Marilyn Stasio

The plot has some nice twists, and the Miami setting contributes its own eccentric flavor. But the real appeal of this macabre tour-de-force is Dexter's sardonic voice, so snappy and smart, and yet so full of self-loathing that we hate ourselves for laughing.

The New Yorker

Dexter Morgan, the namesake of Lindsay's first novel, is one of the most likable vigilante serial killers in recent thriller literature.

USA Today Carol Memmot

Lindsay's tale is daring and unexpectedly comedic. The writing is lively and the plot steps away from the common ground in which many thrillers are rooted.

Kirkus Reviews

Cheap fun: a guilty pleasure few monster-addicts will be able to resist.

Entertainment Weekly Jennifer Reese

The novel unravels in a nasty, campy denouement that leaves little doubt: Avowed serial killers, however tame, do not make appeaing protagonists over the long haul.

The New York Times Janet Maslin

The book has attracted advance praise for its ghoulish ingenuity, but its degree of cleverness is questionable. Really, how witty is a killer who takes truncated body parts and arranges them to spell out "Boo?"

The average user rating for this book is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Phil S gave it a3:
Decent premise, executed poorly.

chris c gave it a10:
awesome, Both of the dexter books will keep you turning pages

tia gave it a10:
one of the best reads

Burt R gave it a2:
I couldn't even finish this book because of the horrible writing, ignorant plot, and idiot characters.

Jeff P gave it a9:
Clever, witty and the inspiration for a goose bump or two. A creepy laugh that makes you look over your shoulder.

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Darkly Dreaming Dexter A Novel by Jeff Lindsay

Darkly Dreaming Dexter
A Novel
by Jeff Lindsay